Non-invasive Archaeometric Studies of Metal Threads with Silk Core Coming from Two Kontush Sashes from the Szczuczyn Excavations in Poland

Abstract

A kontush sash belonged to costly accessories of ceremonial clothes of Polish nobility. It is a belt made of leather, metal or soft textile, called a sash from the 18th century. In the 2nd half of the 17th century, there was a change in manufacturing technique and ornamentation compositions, and sashes adorned with metal threads appeared. Persian and Turkish belts were the most popular. They have been excavated as burial equipment at archaeological sites. Analyzing these objects is a unique research experience that complements our knowledge of girdle-making in the eighteenth century. The non-invasive archaeometric studies are a significant part of this research. The microscopic observations, X-ray fluorescence and SEM-EDS investigations were made of the metal threads from the textile sashes found in the crypts of Szczuczyn church (North-Eastern Poland).